← ACARA Digital Technologies Years 5–6

Network cable

A wire that carries data between a device and the network. It plugs into a network port, like an Ethernet port, on a computer, switch or router.

Part of: ACARA Digital Technologies Years 5–6 — Networks and Sharing Data — Module 8

Understanding Network cable in ACARA Digital Technologies Years 5–6

What it does: The network cable is the wire that carries data from the computer to the switch, which links the computer to the rest of the network. Network cables plug into a network port, such as an Ethernet port. Cable length limits where a device can sit. A short cable means the device must stay near its connection.

Common mistakes: A network cable carries data between a device and the network, not just power. Line 1 should say: A cable carries data. With a network cable, data travels along the wire. Travelling through the air is wireless. It should be: data travels along the cable.

Class: _____________________  ·  Name: _____________________  ·  Date: _________

Free printable worksheet with full answer key — or add this module to a class and your students practise it interactively.

🖨 Print worksheet + answer key Add Network cable to a class →

This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 27–43) and word search (Modules 5–43).

Take this worksheet further — free with Cloodit

Each concept is reinforced from every angle — learned, then applied, then tested.

Learning
Duo
What does a network cable do?
It makes the screen brighterIt carries data between a device and the network
Matches
Plug the network cable into the headphone socket
↓
A network cable only fits a network port, such as an Ethernet port. It does not go in a headphone socket, so no data would travel.
Applying
Meanings
Term
network cable
Meaning
A wire that carries data between a device and the network. It plugs into a network port, like an Ethernet port, on a computer, switch or router.
Practice
PLUG Ethernet cable INTO computer port
Testing
Gaps
A carries data to the network.
Check Answer
Spots
2It plugs into a network port
3A cable carries only power

Cloodit turns curriculum-aligned coding content into journeys students work through one biome at a time.

The 'Walrus' badge — Method Master, one of Cloodit's 106 collectible badges
Students earn collectable badges

Over 100 of them, across seven natural biomes.

Study Buddy
Students build a real study resource

Turns their work into revision material ready for Flash Cards and Exam study.

Diamond Dash — one of Cloodit's live, competitive Sprint games
Students lock in with Sprints

Live, competitive practice for the start of the lesson or a teacher-led lesson finisher.

A Cloodit certificate of achievement, ready to personalise and print
Custom printable certificates

Honour your top performers, or encourage a student who's trying hard — ready to print in seconds.

Add to class →

Quick Questions

1. What does a network cable do?
A. It carries data between a device and the network ✓
B. It makes the screen brighter
A network cable is a wire that carries data between a device and the network.
2. Where does an Ethernet cable plug into a computer?
A. An Ethernet port ✓
B. The headphone jack only
Network cables plug into a network port, such as an Ethernet port.
3. Which is a correct way to connect a desktop computer to the network with a cable?
A. Plug both ends into the same computer
B. Plug one end into the computer and the other into a switch or router ✓
A cable links the device to a switch or router so data can travel to the rest of the network.
4. A cable runs from a computer to a router. What travels along the wire?
A. Paper
B. Data ✓
The wire carries data, like web pages, files and messages, between the computer and the router.
5. A network cable is only 2 metres long. Which is true?
A. The device has to sit fairly close to the switch or router ✓
B. The device can sit anywhere in the school
Cable length limits where a device can sit. A short cable means the device must stay near its connection.

Match the Pairs

Ethernet cable → A network cable that plugs into an Ethernet port to carry data between a device and the network
Ethernet port → The socket on a computer, switch or router where a network cable plugs in
A cable connects a computer to a switch so the computer can send data to the network → computer --cable--> switch
A cable can only be so long, so a wired device must sit within cable reach of the switch or router → cable length: 100 m max
Plug the network cable into the headphone socket → A network cable only fits a network port, such as an Ethernet port. It does not go in a headphone socket, so no data would travel.
A 500 m cable runs from the classroom computer to the router → Network cables have length limits, so a cable that is far too long will not carry data well. The computer must be closer to the router or switch.

Key Term

network cable
A wire that carries data between a device and the network. It plugs into a network port, like an Ethernet port, on a computer, switch or router.

Fill in the Blanks

1. A network cable carries data to the network.
Hint: Type the two-word name for the wire that carries data between a device and the network.
2. A cable plugs into an Ethernet port.
Hint: Type the name of the common type of network port and cable used in schools and homes.
3. computer -> cable -> switch
Hint: Type the thing that sits between the computer and the switch and carries the data.
4. A short cable limits where a device can sit.
Hint: Type the word for a computer, tablet or printer that is plugged into the network.
5. connect(computer, cable, router)
Hint: Type the action word that joins a computer to a router using a cable.

Spot the Error

Question 1
A A cable carries data
B It plugs into a network port
C A cable carries only power
Line C — A network cable carries data between a device and the network, not just power. Line 1 should say: A cable carries data.
Question 2
A plug cable into laptop port
B plug other end into switch
C data travels through the air
Line C — With a network cable, data travels along the wire. Travelling through the air is wireless. It should be: data travels along the cable.
Question 3
A cable = power cord
B port = Ethernet port
C plug cable into port
Line A — A power cord brings electricity. A network cable that carries data is an Ethernet cable. Line 1 should be: cable = Ethernet.
Question 4
A max cable length = 100 m
B desk is 20 m from switch
C cable is too short
Line C — The desk is only 20 m from the switch and the limit is 100 m, so the cable is long enough. It should be: cable is long enough.
Question 5
A computer has Ethernet port
B plug in the cable
C other end goes to switch
D data stays inside the cable
Line D — The cable carries data from the device to the network, so the data does not stay inside it. It should be: data reaches the network.

Student with a class code? Join your class →